SLIME! How to make Slime for Kids | What is Slime? (Oobleck) – Science for Kids

The Science of Slime: An Educational Exploration

Welcome to the Super Fun Puppet Science Spectacular Show! Today, we’re going to explore the gooey and exciting world of slime. We’ll learn about what makes slime so special and even how to make some at home. Let’s dive in!

What is Slime?

Slime is a cool substance called a non-Newtonian fluid. This means it can act like both a liquid and a solid, depending on how you play with it. If you touch slime slowly, it flows like a liquid. But if you hit it quickly, it feels solid and resists the force. This makes slime super fun to play with!

Liquids vs. Solids

To understand slime better, let’s compare it to regular liquids and solids:

• Liquids: Things like water and orange juice are liquids. They take the shape of their container and are hard to hold in your hands.
• Solids: Items like bookshelves, cars, and chairs are solids. They keep their shape and can hold weight.

Slime is special because it can act like both a liquid and a solid. For example, if you hold slime, it might droop like a liquid, but if you squeeze it, it holds its shape like a solid.

The Science Behind Slime

We also learned about mucus, a slimy substance our bodies make. Mucus helps protect us by trapping dust and germs in our noses and helps with digestion in our intestines.

Making Homemade Slime

Now, let’s make some slime! Here’s a simple recipe you can try at home with an adult’s help:

Ingredients Needed:

• 1/2 cup of clear or white glue
• 1/2 cup of liquid starch
• 1/2 cup of water
• Optional: Glitter and food coloring for extra fun

Instructions:

1. Mix Glue and Water: In one bowl, combine the glue and water. Stir well until fully mixed.
2. Add Color and Glitter: If you want colorful slime, add food coloring and glitter to the glue mixture.
3. Combine with Liquid Starch: In another bowl, pour the liquid starch. Slowly mix in the glue and water mixture.
4. Knead the Slime: Once combined, knead the slime with your hands. The more you play with it, the better it becomes!

The Science of Oobleck

Did you know that slime is similar to something called oobleck? Oobleck is made from cornstarch and water. It acts like a liquid when you pour it but feels solid when you press on it. This is another example of a non-Newtonian fluid!

The Mystery Box

During our show, we had a mystery box with an oyster inside. Oysters are sea creatures that can make pearls. Pearls form when something like a grain of sand gets inside the oyster’s shell, and the oyster covers it with layers of nacre, creating a beautiful pearl.

Conclusion

Thanks for joining us on this slime-filled adventure! We hope you learned something new about slime and non-Newtonian fluids. Remember, science is everywhere, and there’s always something new to discover. Have fun making your slime, and keep exploring the wonders of science!